The TEI M89SR is an Israeli bullpup marksman rifle.
History[]
Originally introduced as the Sardius M36 Sniper Weapon System, the rifle was conceived in the early 1980s by sport shooter Nehemia Sirkis.[1] The rifle was designed as a way to breathe new life into the old and venerable M14 platform; the weapon was tested against the IMI Galatz and surpassed it in all respects in terms of performance.[2]
Due to this outstanding performance, the Israeli Armed Forces ordered a total of 1,300 M36s for use to replace the then-currently used M14 Sniper Weapon System; however, Sardius was running short of money and resources; only 50 rifles were produced before Sardius ran out of money and folded, with Technical Consulting international obtaining the rights to production shortly after, with another company, Technical Equipment International (possibly a shell company of TCI), handling exports.[2]
Very few M89s were also made in total; it is claimed that the rifle was used in small numbers by the Duvdevan unit although there is no information available to back this. Similarly, many sources claim that the rifle was much more successful abroad, but no evidence is available to back this up either.
Design Details[]
Quite essentially a bullpup M14, the rifle is very much like most M14 bullpup conversions of the time (and even today), with similar ergonomics and style.
The weapon is touted as being much shorter than most other M14s due to its bullpup layout, and is also said to be much lighter than other bullpup M14 conversions. The weapon is claimed to be able to hit 1 MOA groups.[2]
Variants[]
- Sardius M36 Sniper Rifle System
The original production variant with only 50 made before Sardius folded. The weapon is also apparently known as the Armscor M36, although there appears to only be once source referring to it by this name.[3]
Gallery[]
See also[]
- AWC G2, said to be a related development
References[]
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